When 72-time NASCAR race winner defeated F1 legend Michael Schumacher by a ‘huge margin’ in Race of Champions

Modified Dec 16, 2024 19:46 GMT

Carl Edwards (L) and Michael Schumacher (R) [Source: Imagn (L) and Insta/@michaelschumacher (R)]

Former NASCAR driver Carl Edwards is considered one of NASCAR’s most versatile and accomplished drivers, but his skill wasn’t limited to the oval circuits. In a one-on-one race during the 2008 Race of Champions at London's Wembley Stadium, Edwards shocked the motorsports world by defeating seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher and did so by a huge margin.

Carl Edwards, who holds 72 wins across NASCAR’s three national series, crossed the finish line 1.74 seconds ahead of former F1 legend Schumacher at the Race of Champions in 2008. The event was held on December 14, 2008.

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The Race of Champions is the international motorsport event that attracts top drivers from various motorsport disciplines against each other in identical cars on a short, head-to-head course. ROC held its inaugural season in 1988 and has since been hosting the event at the start or end of each year.

After beating Schumacher, the 2007 Xfinity champion lost to former F1 driver David Coulthard in the semi-final round. World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb claimed the 2008 ROC title, defeating Coulthard in the final.

At that time, Edwards was in the prime of his NASCAR career, having claimed the 2007 Xfinity title and contended for the Cup title on multiple occasions. Schumacher, meanwhile, had already established himself as an F1 legend with record-setting seven F1 titles.